The Secret Language of Flowers

The rishis of ancient India believed flowers to be ‘nature’s purest manifestation of the divine’. It is for this reason that flowers became an integral part of Indian culture, used in worship and offering. Mother Mira analysed the energy vibrations of over 800 flowers. There are thirty meanings just for roses.

Leading international author, healer and Colour Therapist, Suzy Chiazzari says, ‘Quantum physics has proven the truth of the age old wisdom that every living organism is made up of a mass of moving energy created by the patterns of vibrating molecules and atoms. So everything has its own pattern of vibration including flowers. This can be likened to a theme tune that gives you clues about the quality and uses of the flower.’

There are many reasons we like to put flowers in the house. They don’t just smell good and look pretty. Flower psychometry uses your favourite flowers as a diagnostic test and also for self-development and healing.

Chiazzari says flowers can be linked to our psyche and mirror our state of health, suggesting areas where we are out of balance and provide healing solutions.

‘In modern Flower Psychometry your favourite flowers and your choice of flowers at any particular time mirrors your physical, mental and emotional state,’ she says. ‘This idea is based on the principle of ‘like attracts like’ as used in homeopathy. It is intriguing that we are attracted to things in nature that mirror something within ourselves. Psychologists have found this to be true and we prefer different seasons, colours, and even our choice of pets and partners reflect our personality and attitude to life. So we are also attracted to specific flowers in a similar way.’

‘Every plant and flower has its own vibrations but some have more distinct patterns as revealed by their shape, colour and scent. For example a sunflower has a distinct round shape and the flower turns towards the sun. It is bright yellow and the seeds are highly nutritious. So the sunflower has a strong warming and fortifying affect on our system and uplifts the mind.’ Our native Kangaroo Paw is believed to symbolise self-expression and communication as the shape grows from a closed mouth to an open mouth with long tongue.

As would be expected, some flowers have higher vibrations than others. Lavender is one of nature’s more powerful flowers and is widely used in aromatherapy, baking and even medicinal practice. Chiazzari confirms, ‘Lavandula has chemical and vibrational properties that give it cleansing, rejuvenating, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. The colour and scent is also very invigorating to our mind.’

Purple is said to be one of nature’s most powerful colours. Purple relates to the crown chakra which represents one’s connection with the divine. According to Chiazzari because violet has a high vibrational frequency it is successful in the treatment of migraines, mood swings and the psyche. Another reason the sunflower is uplifting is because yellow relates to our solar plexus chakra, our centre for personal power, self-esteem, vitality and confidence. So fill your house with yellow flowers if you need to make a difficult decision, or want to have more energy. As for red flowers, such as romantic roses or bold, wild poppies, red is our base or root chakra and drives our passions. Studies have revealed that exposure to particular colours can actually alter one’s aura, when photographed with aura photography.

The habitat and growth of the flower can be as relevant and revealing as their colour and aroma. A wild flower could symbolise a wild inner nature, or one’s ability to flourish in harsh conditions. Flowers that grow in the shadow of larger plants symbolise shyness or nervousness. Some flower essence practitioners believe that native plants and flowers have a stronger effect as they grow in a harsher environment than their European cousins. Try applying your own interpretations to your favourite flowers and see what it tells you about your current situation, or your character.

‘The ancient practise of flower psychometry was originally used for divination and good luck charms and then also as a hidden language - usually between lovers,’ says Chiazzari.

In the 1600s in Constantinople flowers gained subtle meaning that allowed lovers to communicate without words. It was introduced to Europe by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu who visited Istanbul in 1760, She detailed how flowers and spices could be used to send messages of love and even conduct an argument with a lover.

In Victorian times this method of secret communication became popular, and flowers developed an intricate system of messages. Flowers sent in boxes even had special knots which had their own meanings.

According to www.beloved.com primroses symbolise first youth because they herald the first flush of spring. The stalwart oak means bravery, strength and protection.

Tulips denote honesty because of their open cups.

Violets are the symbol for modesty and shyness as they hide away at the base of forest trees. Think of the term ‘shrinking violet’.

The sunflower, or sun-follower, which can also signify pride or haughtiness, has been traditionally given the meaning ‘my eyes see only you’, for its devotion following the sun.

Laurel is a symbol of achievement and glory which may be why we refer to someone as ‘resting on their laurels’ instead of stirring themselves to fresh conquests.

Lily of the valley, another spring flower, means hope, or the return of happiness; and anyone who has ever tried to remove the tenacious honeysuckle from the side of their house will understand why it is held to mean steadfastness.

Iris is the messenger, meaning ‘I have a message for you’.

Jonquils convey desire.

The carnation, which has been bred into striped, feathered and bold-coloured patterns but always tends back towards its original pure white, has come to mean a strong and pure love that does not waver.

The poppy, because of its narcotic properties, symbolises sleep, dreams and fantasy.

Roses have different meanings depending on their colour and style: everybody knows that red roses convey passion and yellow roses mean friendship (or jealousy), but did you know that white roses symbolise silence, or innocence? Unopened white rosebuds mean a virginal girl, or a heart, which ignores love: and dead white roses were often used in funeral wreaths for young people, meaning ‘It is better to die than to lose innocence’.

Chiazzari says you can learn to use flowers yourself by reading books on vibrational healing and flower remedies. You should be able to find plenty of these on the internet. She also has a website at www.iriscolour.co.uk with further information and resources, including online training for practitioners.

But if you want to go one step further you could even try eating your flowers. Lavender is particularly popular in cakes and jams, as are dried rose petals. A simple way to begin using lavender flowers in the kitchen is to make a lavender sugar for use in baking. Add crushed dried lavender flowers to sugar and store in an airtight container. Sieve the sugar when ready to use.

The Lavender Cookbook by Sharon Shipley (Running Press) contains over 120 recipes including lavender scones and lavender mulled wine.